The highlight was one of the most anticipated movies of the season – Selma. The film depicts the journey of civil right leader Martin Luther King Jr. as he navigates through the terrains of racial injustice. Considering the current racial climate, Selma, which opens on Dec. 25th, will surely entice an impressive crowd.

Selma topped the list of the ten best films in 2014; it also garnered Ava DuVernay the best director nomination. Actor David Oyelowo who portrays Dr. King got a best actor nod and John Legend’s collaboration with Common for the song Glory also got recognition for best song.

“Selma” Director Ava DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey and David Oyelowo

We had a lot to pick from this year from Belle, Dear White People, Top Five, Timbuktu and Selma and hope the industry will continue to provide a platform for diversity on the big screen.” — AAFCA President Gil Robertson

Other notables included actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw who was got a best actress nomination for her affecting performance in Belle, Tessa Thompson who was recognized in the breakout performance category for her role in Dear White People, and Gina Prince-Blythewood, whose screenplay for Beyond the Lights was duly recognized.

Overall the AAFCA was impressed with the effort that were showcased this year, and president Gil Robertson shared the sentiment of the organization in a statement, “Our members found the output of cinema released this year to be a truly insightful mix of titles that reflect the world we live in. The members of AAFCA were pleased with this range of storytelling supported by the studios that gave voice to the many sides of the experience of Black people in America and around the world”.